Australia Women delivered a clinical six-wicket victory over World Cup champions India Women in the opening ODI of their three-match series at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane on February 24, 2026, levelling the multi-format series at four points apiece. Chasing India’s total of 214, Australia overhauled the target in just 38.2 overs with six wickets and 70 balls to spare, their 21st consecutive win at the Brisbane venue. Australia Women beat India Women in a statement performance that was much-needed after trailing 2-4 on points following their 1-2 defeat in the T20I leg.
Australia Women Beat India Women: Schutt Strikes on Return as India Women Lose Early Wickets
India’s innings began uncertainly from the second ball of the match. Megan Schutt — a late addition to the ODI squad after both Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth were ruled out with quad strains sustained in the final T20I — struck with just her second delivery, trapping Pratika Rawal lbw on review. Rawal’s inclusion itself had forced a positional reshuffle, with Shafali Verma dropping to No. 3 having only ever opened across her previous 31 ODIs. Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues both fell cheaply as India slumped to 52 for 3.
Mandhana and Harmanpreet Provide Resistance
Smriti Mandhana held India’s top order together with a composed 58 off 68 balls, providing the stability her team needed through the middle overs. Harmanpreet Kaur joined her and the two shared a crucial partnership before Mandhana’s dismissal in the 38th over — caught at fine leg off Tahlia McGrath, having top-edged a stroke while attempting to sweep.
Harmanpreet made 53 off 84 balls but was unable to bat for Australia’s innings after sustaining what appeared to be a knee injury during her innings — a major concern for India with two ODIs and a Test match still to come. Kashvee Gautam produced a belligerent cameo of 43 off 44 balls, hitting the only three sixes of the innings, but India’s total of 214 in 48.3 overs was always likely to be below par against Australia at their Brisbane stronghold. Ashleigh Gardner was the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 33.
Healy and Mooney Steer Clinical Chase
Skipper Alyssa Healy, who confirmed in the week that the ODI and Test leg of this series would constitute her international farewell, opened with a beautiful straight drive off Renuka Singh Thakur from the very first ball she faced — an image befitting one of the game’s greatest players.
She went on to make 50 before being caught at deep midwicket in the 24th over, sharing a 55-run opening partnership with Phoebe Litchfield, who made 32 before being sharply stumped by Richa Ghosh off left-arm spinner Shree Charani. Georgia Voll — likely to have been left out had Perry been fit — then fell tamely, chipping to cover off the same over as Litchfield, putting Australia at 55 for 2.
Mooney Anchors the Win
Beth Mooney — who needed just three runs entering the match to become the seventh Australian to reach 3,000 ODI runs — provided the decisive anchor innings. Her unbeaten 76 off 79 balls was a masterclass of efficient run-scoring, combining patience with perfectly timed acceleration.
Mooney brought up the milestone early and then shared an unbroken 103-run partnership with Annabel Sutherland, who was brilliant for her 48 not out off 44 balls as Australia cruised to 217 for 4 with 70 balls remaining. Both teams now travel to Hobart for a Friday-Sunday double-header with the multi-format series beautifully balanced.
Written by 8JJ.com News Desk | February 25, 2026
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